The Effects of Parental Communication on the Sexual Behaviors of Young Adults: A Qualitative Study
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Authors
Vines, Monica
Issue Date
1997
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of influence parents have on the decisions adolescents and young adults make about their sexual behaviors. Qualitative research methods were used to gather data from seven subjects regarding their familial interactions, sexual behaviors, and sexual decisions. Results of this qualitative study indicated that parents did influence the decisions that young adults made as teens about engaging in sexual intercourse, and specific patterns of influence were detected. This study found that subjects who had positive and open communications with a parent made safer sexual decisions, such as postponing sexual intercourse and using protection when engaging in sexual intercourse. Additionally, subjects indicated that when there was no verbal communication--a silence about sexual issues--subjects became more curious and/or internalized negative ideas about sexuality. Most subjects in this study also indicated that the majority of information they received about sex came from peers. In addition, peers were the source of considerable pressure to engage in sexual intercourse. Limitations of this study were the low number of subjects and the possibility that the pre-established relationship the interviewer has with each of the subjects may have inhibited and limited response detail.